Training in Light Engineering

When floods and other hazards occur, those that are poorest often suffer the greatest losses and have no other sources of income to fall back on. As part of Practical Actions Disaster Risk Reduction projects in Bangladesh and Nepal, income diversification and skills training is a practical solution to building long term resilience so that people are better able to cope with shocks and losses well into the future.

As part of a disaster risk reduction project in Bangladesh, 195 men and women received trainings in light engineering, training as community based animal health workers known as paravets, and training as carpenters and masons as well as training in block, batik, embroidery and tailoring. With these skills people can start earning a supplementary income through selling their services and skills. In addition those trained as masons, carpenters and para-vets were supplied with essential tools and equipment to start their businesses and are now earning cash by selling their services locally, which in turn benefits the local community.

One of the project beneficiaries is Shah Alam, he is trained in light engineering and now runs a small mechanical shop in his village which provides him with a year round income (main picture).